By Kristin Longley
klongley@citpat.com -- 768-4917
U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg's office sent out a press release this week that touted his work toward securing $350,000 in federal funding for the Jackson Transportation Authority.
However, the statement made no mention that Walberg actually voted against the transportation appropriations bill that included the JTA funding. The bill passed the House and will now go on to the Senate for consideration.
The headline on the statement read: "Walberg secures House approval of funding for Jackson Transit Authority."
Walberg spokesman Matt Lahr said the congressman worked with JTA for months on the appropriation.
"He did all he could to ensure the funding request was included," Lahr said.
But the final bill exceeded spending limits Walberg promised to uphold, Lahr said, and would increase the federal deficit by $4.5 billion.
"Therefore he had to vote against the final version of the bill," Lahr said.

For m ore on this story, come back to mlive.com/citpat or pick up a copy of Saturday's Jackson Citizen Patriot.